DVLA not getting anywhere advice needed

[Dorsetjohn]

I am in the same position as others on this site, my licence was revoked after an unsatisfactory FVT test at a designated branch of Specsavers. I had the same problems as others, test done in a busy corridor, curtain not drawn and most importantly the chin rest was not moved and I was told to rest my chin on the pointy bit between the two monocular positions.

I have followed the advice given by others and had another paid for two FVT tests at two different branches of Specsavers both of which were done correctly and both of which show that I was well within the OK to drive area, my visual acuity is also OK and my Consultant also thinks I would be OK.

I was advised by the DVLA to submit a V1 form together with documents to support my case for an appeal, which I did (favourable FVT test and Consultants examination one month before my licence expired) and received a letter saying that they could not consider my appeal as the evidence supplied was before the the revocation of my licence. I managed to speak to an "advisor" in the medical department who said that this letter was a mistake, as they had the medical evidence and they wanted a D1 application, which I sent, adding that I needed a clarification as I knew that I could not apply for a Exceptional case criteria appeal as I have Glaucoma, but appealing for a properly conducted FVT test.

This morning I received the same forms as before saying I did not meet the visual criteria and must not drive.

So they have not considered my request for a retest at all. Any help gratefully received

[muddledme]

Hello Dorsetjohn,

The DVLA seems to get itself into numerous muddles and I often find their letters vague or officious.

Have you used their special e mail for glaucoma patients ?

[e-mail].

Perhaps all the DVLA staff should be limited to public transport for 2 weeks, so they realise how difficult it can be.

Good luck.

[Dorsetjohn in reply to muddledme]

Thanks, I will try the email, as I say I have spoken to them twice but both times the advice given was incorrect and led me into the wrong route. I agree about public transport for the DVLA operatives, but for 6 months. If only I had the option of a bus, my nearest shop takes me half an hour to walk, down the steep hill with no footpath and three quarters of an hour to walk back, and that's me knackered for the. day

[Hidden in reply to Dorsetjohn]

My MP was the route to me driving again. Present evidence to your MP, who should escalate your case and fight your corner. Good Luck.

[Dorsetjohn in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Thanks you very much for your previous reply. I meant to post this a month ago, as I had success following your email route.

I emailed [e-mail] on the Sunday and was surprised to get a reply on Monday morning, saying that I had bebeen sent the wrong letter and the dvla had all the evidence I'd sent them and that I now had a dedicated case officer. To my utter amazement I received my new 3 year licence on the Saturday morning, so I've been back on the road for about 6 weeks, so thanks again for your suggestion, I will generate a new post and publicise this route again

[Safehaven23 in reply to Dorsetjohn]

Same situation - no public transport at all from where I live!! 6 miles into town! Had to get the Community car to get me to the station to go on train for eye check ups. Everyone tells me their version of where they think I am at - and most are just making it up! It is demoralising and depressing.

[victordavid]

The email address has changed to [e-mail]

[Safehaven23 in reply to victordavid]

Address above does not seem to work...

[Dorsetjohn in reply to Safehaven23]

No I was misinformed the email address is just [e-mail] they have dropped the gsi bit, and after contacting them they were very helpful but you need to get another test at a different Specsavers stipulate that it is a trial for your dvla field of vision test and get a copy and now you know how it should be done and if it shows you are OK to drive you are half way there to getting your licence back. I had 2 tests done at 2 different Specsavers, cost about £30 each. Let me know how you get on and if you need more help.

[Safehaven23]

It is an ongoing nightmare. I had similar experience at the late Eye Test last July - the young woman even told me she had not conducted the DVLA test before...I had to stop her to tell her to move the chin rest up and even then it was not adjusted as such. I have just read on here that the flashing lights should all be the same intensity - not varying degrees to invisible - I am trying to get confirmation of this before sending D1 and Field Test evidence off - but email addresses come back saying "unmonitored"...phone call when answered says too busy so not answering...they are making it impossible for us. Due to Covid, cancelled appointments and now Strikes it has take me all this time to get the Field Tests from previoius hospital - now trying to get it in before 3 month end after last Field Test at end of January. Even the specialists don't appear to know the correct pocedures or arrangements and there is no-one who can help me. I sympathise with youl If I could get another static strength test I would be ok I am sure.

[Safehaven23]

Emailed [e-mail] yesterday - and an aknowledgement this morning! They have attached it to my record and forwarded to correct department!! Amazing...I have spent this week trying to get thro to DVLA either via an email address on their site or via telephone - emails unmonitored and phone message says they are too husy to answer. So a step forward at last. Other well known Organisations I have tried to contact for help either send me a link to same DVLA website (!) or make guesses at the answers - which helps no-one, Thank you for your advice - incredibly grateful and wonder how many others are struggling for help right now. Thank goodness for this site too!